10 Foods Banned Across the World

Different countries have different rules when it comes to food – and some of their laws can result in some of the finest delicacies and exports being banned from shelves. Take a look at 10 foods banned across the world.

1. Haggis

image via www.telegraph.co.uk

Scots all over the world, avert your eyes because haggis is banned in the United States. The delicacy, which is synonymous with the brave nation, is banned because the US has a law against sheep lung commercialisation.

2. Foie Gras

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The translation of Foie Gras in English means “fatty liver”. The popular French delicacy is banned in 14 countries around the world, including in Australia, Argentina, several European countries and 22 US states.

Foie Gras, which is made from goose or duck liver, is banned because the birds are forced to eat four to five pounds of food per day using a metallic tube in their neck. This process is repeated for days in a row until a bird’s liver expands. Many countries have banned the delicacy due to the inhumane process.

3. Samosas

image via www.bbc.co.uk

Samosas are those spicy triangular dough-filled snacks that are made from meat or vegetables. Somalia has, however, taken offence to the popular dish, as the Islamist al-Shabaab group have deemed samosas as “too Christian”, as they believe the snack’s shape resembles the Holy Trinity.

4. Ketchup

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You won’t find ketchup in a French primary school anytime soon, as the condiment was banned in 2011. You probably think it’s because it makes the children a little hyperactive – but that’s not the case at all. It’s banned for cultural reasons, as it’s deemed as the equivalent of watching a Hollywood movie or listening to an iPod.

5. Kinder Surprise Eggs

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We know what you’re thinking: how can Kinder Surprise Eggs possibly be banned? Well, they are in the United States, who refuse to sell the loveable chocolate gift as it features a non-edible object inside the children’s treat. You’re missing out, America!

6. Unpasteurised Milk

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Both Canada and 22 US states have banned the sale of unpasteurised milk, and other unpasteurised products, believing they could potentially spread E-coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter, as well as various other germs.

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7. Olestra

image via www.garsons.co.uk

Olestra, also known as Olean, is a cholesterol-free and calorie-free fat substitute that’s commonly found in French fries and potato chips. Sounds harmless enough, doesn’t it? Tell that to the UK and Canada, as they have banned the synthetic product because it reportedly causes diarrhoea, cramps and leaking bowels, and can also prevent the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the human body.

8. Farm-Raised Salmon

image via www.diffen.com

Salmon is good for you, right? Well, New Zealand and Australia believe farm-raised salmon is not so good for you, as the salmon consumes grains with antibiotics and various drugs, making the fish appear grey – and a substance made from petrochemicals is then produced to create its pink colour. Both countries will only consume salmon that comes from a natural habitat.

9. Absinthe

image via www.bbc.com

Absinthe is one of the strongest alcoholic drinks in the world, and so can result in aggressive behaviour or even hallucinations. It was first introduced to market in 1797, and reportedly originated in France. Despite the fact it may have been born in the country, absinthe has been banned from France for over 100 years. It is also banned in the Australia, New Zealand and the US.

10. Casu Marzu

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Casu Marzu translates to “rotten cheese” in English – and, on that basis, it’s not hard to see why it is banned.

Wait, it gets worse. A larvae of flies are injected inside a Pecorino cheese. As a result, the larvae digests the cheese to take the fermentation to a different level. Casu Marzu, also known as maggot cheese, is also often consumed with the larvae still inside the cheese, which can be rather dangerous.

Why is it dangerous? Well, gastric acid is unable to destroy the larvae, which can end up in a person’s intestines, resulting in it attacking organs. It’s not a surprise the EU and US banned the cheese.

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